Why is gout so painful?

[vespaboy]

I've got gout (again) why is it so painful?

Anybody know how to relieve the pain?

I am on prescribed tablets (Naprosyn) but need relief now!!

[Loosehead]

Nurofen works well. However the prescription drug Diclofenac Sodium is recommended also.

If you get gout regularly you should ask the doctor for the preventative drug Allupurinol.

Gout is caused by the build up of uric acid crystals in the blood which irritate the nerves in the joints, often the big toe but can be any joint.

[raysparx]

I also suffered from gout, the only way uric acid can be taken out of the body is through urine so drink a lot of water, I also wear a magnetic bracelet,and take a natural remedy, Cider vinegar & honey, you can buy this already made up in a bottle called "Honeygar" buy it from health food shop, it may make pain worse for a little while but then it should gradually go,

I haven't had gout now for 3 years,it works honestly, you should also avoid eating to many tomatoes, give it a go,nothing to lose. Good luck. Ray

[Haggisdj]

I've had it since 1988.... very painful. Since taking 100mg of Allupurinol daily I have not had an attack.

Good luck !!

[andy-hughes]

It is a nasty condition, I suffer, so I sympethise.

Gout is caused by excess uric acid which crystalises at the body's extremities, usually the big toes, less often the fingers, and very occasionally the elbows or knees.

Flushing with water does help as advised, but better still, try and isolate what causes it. For me, it's bacon and sausages - avoid spicy foods and see if it makes a difference.

Don't you get fed up with the "Oh, it's rich living ..." comments you get, just when you are suffering enough? I'm teetotal, and I still get ribbed about drinking too much port!

[vespaboy]

Andy-hughes

I also get the 'too much beer' thrown at me continually, how annoying is that?

and

'Its an old mans ailment' I'm 37!

[Loosehead]

I've had it since I was 27!

[WendyS]

Anybody who has ever suffered from gout, including me, will sympathise with you. I'm sure the Naprosyn will start to work soon but if it's your big toe, dipping it cold water might help temporarily.

The other two people I know who suffer from it both swear that it's sausages which contain preservatives (including salami) and smoked bacon which triggers it for them. Keeping a food diary might help you identify what are your own individual triggers.